On Its Head

The assumption of lineal progress limits our conceptual appreciation of what is the most dynamic aspect of human evolution in the world today. While tribal governing entities have relied on conservation, cooperation, and reciprocity to maintain internal stability for millenia, they have now extended these values into network society. Pan-tribal global solidarity in confronting the anti-indigenous axis of state institutions, markets, and transnational criminal enterprise has emerged with support from civil society. The new alliances and organizing strategy of the indigenous peoples’ movement may turn much social theory on its head.